Platforms principally for use by swimmers

ABSTRACT

Starting platform assemblies may be provided with swimming pools for competitive and/or recreational purposes. A starting platform assembly may include a frame supporting a starting platform. Starting platform assemblies may include various combinations of optional features such as but not limited to informational panels and displays, storage areas, side handles, backstroke bars, movable mounting steps, and/or wedge anchors.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/215,730, filed on Jun. 28, 2021 and entitledPLATFORMS PRINCIPALLY FOR USE BY SWIMMERS, and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/291,869, filed on Dec. 20, 2021and entitled STARTING PLATFORM WITH SIDE HANDLES, both of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This present invention relates to platforms and more particularly,although not necessarily exclusively, to starting platforms forcompetitive and other swimmers in swimming pools, spas, and/or otherartificial or natural bodies of water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Starting platforms, also known as “starting blocks,” “diving blocks,”and “diving platforms,” among others, are commonly mounted or supportedat an edge of a pool or other body of water and may be used by a swimmerto enter into the pool, particularly for competitive swimming. Startingplatforms are usually raised relative to a pool deck or other surfacesurrounding the body of water, and may allow for different types ofentry into the pool. For example, a swimmer may start on the raisedplatform and dive or jump into the pool, or the swimmer may remain inthe pool and hold onto the platform to pull themselves up before pushingaway from the platform. Some starting platforms may include a handle forthe swimmer to grab, but traditionally such handles are complex, onlyallow for a certain grabbing position, and/or define less natural orpowerful pulling positions.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,058,994 to Weimer, et al. (“Weimer patent”) describes aconventional swimmer starting platform together with a system foranchoring the platform to a deck of a swimming pool. Included as partsof the platform of the Weimer patent are a cylindrical post extendingvertically from an anchor, a diagonal support member welded to the post,a backstroke bar welded to the support member, and a solid flangeextending between the backstroke bar and the support member. The entirecontents of the Weimer patent are incorporated herein by this reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,035,034 to Hixon, et al. (“Hixon patent”) detailsanother starting block and anchor system. Such a block may include aplatform attached to “a carriage assembly including one or more stems”or posts. See Hixon, col. l, ll. 33-34. According to the Hixon patent,“[t]he stems may be detachably coupled to an anchor embedded in concreteof any suitable material of a pool deck.” See id., ll. 35-37 (numeralsomitted). The entire contents of the Hixon patent are incorporatedherein as well by this reference.

SUMMARY

Embodiments covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, notthis summary. This summary is a high-level overview of variousembodiments and introduces some of the concepts that are furtherdescribed in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is notintended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine thescope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should beunderstood by reference to appropriate portions of the entirespecification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

According to certain embodiments, a platform assembly includes at leastone of an informational panel, a storage device, or a display region.

According to various embodiments, a swimmer starting platform assemblyincludes a frame and each of an informational panel, a storage device,and a display region either attached to or formed by the frame.

According to some embodiments, a method of changing the appearance of aswimmer starting platform assembly includes detaching a first panel froma frame of the assembly and attaching a second panel to the frame of theassembly.

According to various embodiments, a starting platform assembly includesa starting platform and side handles, and the side handles extend atangle in the range of 65°-115° relative to the starting platform.

According to certain embodiments, a starting platform assembly includesa starting platform and side handles, and the side handles each includea parallel handle portion extending parallel to the starting platformand a perpendicular handle portion extending at angle in the range of65°-115° relative to the starting platform.

According to some embodiments, a side handle for a starting platformassembly includes a base, a parallel handle portion, and a perpendicularhandle portion. The base may connect the side handle to the startingplatform such that the parallel handle portion extends parallel to thestarting platform and the perpendicular handle portion extendsperpendicular to the starting platform.

According to various embodiments, a starting platform assembly includesa starting platform and side handles, and the side handles extendperpendicular to the starting platform.

According to various embodiments, a starting platform assembly includesa starting platform and side handles, and the side handles each includea parallel handle portion extending parallel to the starting platformand a perpendicular handle portion extending perpendicular to thestarting platform.

According to certain embodiments, a wedge anchor for a starting platformassembly includes an anchor body for receiving a portion of a frame ofthe starting platform assembly and anchor wings extending outwards fromthe anchor body.

According to some embodiments, a backstroke bar for a starting platformincludes a first set of vertical handles and a second set of verticalhandles. The first set of vertical handles may span a first distance,and the second set of vertical handles may span a second distancedifferent from the first distance.

According to certain embodiments, a backstroke bar for a startingplatform includes at least one upper vertical handle and at least onelower vertical handle, and the at least one upper vertical handle is notvertically aligned with the at least one lower vertical handle.

Various implementations described herein may include additional systems,methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expresslydisclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in theart upon examination of the following detailed description andaccompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods,features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure andprotected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The specification makes reference to the following appended figures, inwhich use of like reference numerals in different figures is intended toillustrate like or analogous components.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a platform assembly according toembodiments.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the platform assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of a portion of the platform assemblyof FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a tray feature of the platform assemblyof FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the tray feature of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the tray feature of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the tray feature of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first side handle of the platformassembly of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of second side handle of the platformassembly of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a gripping portion of the first side handle ofFIG. 8 .

FIG. 11 is an end view of the gripping portion of the first side handleof FIG. 8 .

FIG. 12 is a side view of a frame of the platform assembly of FIG. 1according to embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the frame of FIG. 12 with aninformational panel according to embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a removable display for the platformassembly of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another removable display for theplatform assembly of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a partially exploded view of the removable display of FIG. 15removed from the platform assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 17 illustrates another removable display for the platform assemblyof FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the removable display of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the removable display of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a platform assembly with a retractablemounting step according to embodiments.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the platform assembly of FIG. 20 with themounting step in a retracted position.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a platform assembly according toembodiments.

FIG. 23 is an end view of the platform assembly of FIG. 22 .

FIG. 24 is a side view of the platform assembly of FIG. 22 .

FIG. 25 is a top view of a side handle of the platform assembly of FIG.22

FIG. 26 is a is an end view of a backstroke bar of the platform assemblyof FIG. 22 .

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a wedge anchor for a platform assemblyaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of the wedge anchor of FIG. 27 .

FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the wedge anchor of FIG. 27 .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides alternatives and improvements toplatforms and blocks of the Weimer and Hixon patents. Summaries offeatures, any or all of which optionally may be included in assembliesof the invention, are discussed below, but the below description shouldnot be considered limiting on the disclosure, and various other benefitsand advantages may be realized with the disclosed starting platform.

In some embodiments, a starting platform according to embodiments of thedisclosure may include an informational panel (e.g., a panel with asponsor's information, school information, training information, etc.).A traditional approach has been to hang a banner of an ad hoc designpanel or to embed the logo, color, etc. of the school or sponsor in thestarting platform top. However, such traditional banners get worn,faded, water and chlorine deteriorated. A starting platform according toembodiments of the disclosure may provide a permanent, professionallook, may be somewhat weather protected under the platform top, and/ormanufactured with UV and chemical resistant materials. In suchembodiments, an integrated fastening or support system may be providedwithin a substructure or frame of the starting platform for supportingor otherwise receiving a panel. In certain embodiments, the panel mayinclude various visual features and/or designs as desired, including butnot limited to sponsors' logos, school logos, mascot figures,tradenames, a lane identification, combinations thereof, and/or othervisual features or designs as desired. The panel may be a two-sidedpanel with visual features of each side, thereby allowing for viewing ofthe visual features from a plurality of viewing points. In certainembodiments, the informational panel may be colored and/or includevisual features (optionally in combination with a substructure of thestarting platform) complimentary to and/or matching a sponsor's colorscheme. In some embodiments, the informational panel advantageously maybe removable and/or replaceable, thereby allowing for improvedcustomization of the starting platform.

In certain embodiments, starting platforms according to embodiments ofthe disclosure include a wedge anchor. In such embodiments, anchor wingsmay be included with the anchor, which may facilitate securing of theanchor to rebar and may facilitate electrical bonding to the rebar orother grounded members within a concrete pool deck. In variousembodiments, the anchor wings may ensure that the anchor is properlypositioned relative to the pool wall and held securely in place duringthe installation of the deck or portions thereof.

In various embodiments, starting platforms described herein may includean improved backstroke bar. In such embodiments, the backstroke bar mayinclude at least two different spans of vertical handles. Differentspans of vertical handles may allow the starting platform to conform toswimming rulings and standards set by all ruling bodies (e.g., FINA,NCAA, USA Swimming, US Master Swimming, and the National Federation ofSt. High School Associations). The different spans of vertical handlesmay also allow the starting platform to accommodate a range of sizesfrom elite to child swimmers.

In some embodiments, improved starting platforms described herein mayinclude side handles that extend generally perpendicular to (orgenerally outwards from) the starting platform. As used herein,“perpendicular” in the context of the described embodiments refers toangles in the range of approximately 65°-approximately 115°, inclusive,and the outwardly extending side handles need not be exactly 65° to thestarting platform (although they could be). Such side handles extendingperpendicular to the starting platform may define a more natural and/orpowerful pulling position for swimmers compared to traditional startingblocks. For example, the side handles extending perpendicular to thestarting platform may be configured to engage the entire hand of theswimmer. Optionally, starting platforms with the side handles describedherein may promote or encourage athletes to engage the starting platformwith three power phases—front leg push, back leg push, and armspulling—while also allowing for the order of power phases to beperformed in any desired order (e.g., depending upon starting style,body type, particular strengths, etc.). In certain embodiments, the sidehandles described herein may include handle portions extending in atleast two directions relative to the starting platform such thatmultiple types of pulling motions can be performed on the same platform.For example, in some embodiments, the side handles described hereininclude a generally perpendicular handle portion that extendsperpendicular to the starting platform and a generally parallel handleportion that extends parallel to the starting platform. As used herein,“parallel” handle portions extend in a vertical plane that is parallelto a vertical plane of an axis of the starting platform; however withinthe vertical plane, the handle portions need not necessarily be parallelto a horizontal plane of the starting platform (e.g., they could beangled downwards towards the starting platform, up and away from thestarting platform, or parallel to the horizontal plate of the startingplatform).

In various embodiments, starting platforms described herein may includea tray feature. Competitive swimmers often come to a swimming meet withvarious forms of personal items (e.g., phones, keys, etc.) and/orcompetitive swimming accessories (e.g., towels, goggles, swim caps,etc.). Historically these have been left in a pile on the pool deck, orin a plastic bin/container sitting on the deck, which makes the itemssusceptible to water, chlorine, theft, etc. Starting platforms describedherein may include a tray to hold and/or contain the items of theswimmer. Optionally, such a tray feature may be water-protected and/orat a location offset above the pool deck. Tray features described hereinmay thus provide containment and support of the swimmer's items, and mayprovide improved security to the items while stored. In certainembodiments, the tray feature may have a color and/or other visualcharacteristics matching the color scheme of a school, sponsor, and/oras otherwise desired. Optionally, the tray feature includes a hangingfeature, which may be utilized to hang items such as towels and goggles.

In certain embodiments, starting platforms described herein may includea removable display, such as but not limited to a trainer's displayand/or a lane number plate. Such displays may be attached or removedusing various techniques or mechanisms as desired, including but notlimited to magnets, clips, hooks, clasps, combinations thereof, and/orother mechanisms, devices, or techniques as desired. During competitiveswim training, each swimmer may have individual exercises that a coachhas outlined for them to execute. However, because these exercises areindividual to each swimmer and change frequently, traditional exercisesare printed or handwritten on paper, and the swimmer typically leavesthem at the end of the pool for reference and to mark as complete overthe course of the training. Starting platforms described herein mayprovide a location to easily attach and/or remove a display boardwithout tools. Such a display board may be various types of displayboards as desired, including but not limited to boards that a person maywrite on and/or attach items. In one non-limiting example, the displayboard may be an erasable display board such as but not limited to awhite board. Starting platforms with the removable display may allow thevisual information (e.g., lane number, individual instructions, etc.) tobe elevated off the pool deck, which may allow for a swimmer to observeinformation on the display without requiring the swimmer to stop, reachup, and find the paper on the deck (with their wet hands) to read thenext exercise.

According to some embodiments, starting platforms described herein mayinclude a retractable mounting step. Traditionally, mounting steps onswimming platforms protrude a width of the top of the platform. However,many swimmers do not require such mounting steps, and the presence of amounting step may be considered an obstruction. Starting platformsdescribed herein optionally include a mounting step that allows themounting step to be retracted or deployed as needed. The mounting stepmay use various devices or mechanisms to move between a retractedposition and a deployed position. In one non-limiting example, themounting step may be hinged, thereby allowing the mounting step to beretracted under the starting platform top and deployed only when needed.Other devices or mechanisms may be utilized as desired.

The aforementioned features are provided for illustrative purposes onlyand should not be considered limiting. As mentioned, any combination(including all) of the features described above may be utilized on thestarting platform. Various other features, benefits, and advantages maybe realized with the disclosed starting platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are starting platforms with various improved features.The features described below may be used in any combination as desired,and thus the particular combination of features illustrated on a singlestarting platform should not be considered limiting.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a platform assembly 10 according to embodiments ofthe disclosure. The platform assembly 10 may be configured for varioususes as desired, including but not limited to a starting platform for aswimmer. The platform assembly 10 generally includes a frame 62supporting a platform 14.

The platform 14 includes a top surface 20, a front end 12, and a backend 16. When installed, the front end 12 may be the portion of theplatform 14 most proximate to the pool. The platform 14 may have variousshapes as desired, and in the embodiment illustrated, the platform 14has a generally rectangular shape. Optionally, a gripping material orgripping structure such as treading, rubber, etc. may be provided on thetop surface 20 to provide an improved surface that the swimmer may standon, particularly if she or he is not dry. In some embodiments, theplatform 14 optionally may be sloped or angled downwards from the backend 16 to the front end 12 (i.e., the front end 12 is lower than theback end 16) by changing a thickness of the starting platform 14,angling the starting platform 14 via the frame 62 or other support ormounting structure that mounts the starting platform assembly 10relative to the pool, or as otherwise desired. In other embodiments, theplatform 14 need not be sloped or angled.

Optionally, a raised portion 18 (such as a starting assist device) maybe supported on the platform 14. When included, the raised portion 18may extend at an angle relative to the top surface 20, and a user mayengage the raised portion 18 by pushing against it when diving orjumping. In certain aspects, the position of the raised portion 18 maybe adjustable between the front end 12 and the back end 16 as desiredand using various mechanisms such as pins and notches, clips, clasps,sliders, and/or other suitable devices as desired. In some embodiments,the raised portion 18 is removably coupled to the platform 14.

As discussed in detail below, in addition to the platform 14 and theframe 62, starting platforms according to embodiments of the disclosuremay include various combinations of optional features such as trayfeatures, side handles, sponsors' panels, removable displays, mountingsteps, and backstroke bars. As non-limiting examples: FIGS. 1-3illustrate the platform assembly 10 with a tray feature 34, side handles22, an informational panel 38, a removable display 42, a backstroke bar30, and a mounting step 26; FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate a platformassembly 2010 that is substantially similar to the platform assembly 10except that it omits the tray feature 34 and includes a differentembodiment of a mounting step 2026; and FIGS. 22-24 illustrate aplatform assembly 2210 that is substantially similar to the platformassembly 10 except that the platform assembly 2210 omits the trayfeature 34 and includes a different embodiment of a backstroke bar 2230and a different embodiment of side handles 2222.

Tray Feature

Referring to FIGS. 1-7 , in some embodiments, the tray feature 34 may beincluded with a platform assembly. In certain embodiments, and as bestillustrated in FIG. 2 , the tray feature 34 may span approximately thewidth of the platform assembly 10, and the tray feature 34 also may bepositioned on the assembly 10 proximate to the back end 16 (i.e., awayfrom the pool) so as not to impede a swimmer launching from the platform14 into the pool. As best illustrated in FIGS. 4-7 , the tray feature 34may be elongated and define a storage area 24 that may be used by aswimmer or other user to temporarily store items. Optionally, one ormore drainage apertures 28 may be defined in the tray feature 34.

In some embodiments, the tray feature 34 further may include upstandingtabs or protrusions 46 about which items may be hung or suspended. As anexample, a towel 19 (FIGS. 2 and 3 ) or goggles may be hung by a user onthe protrusions 46.

A support 50 such as but not limited to a metallic clip or bracket maybe used to attach the tray feature 34 to the platform assembly 10.Persons skilled in the relevant art, however, will recognize that thetray feature 34 may be sized, shaped, positioned on, and attached to theassembly 10 differently than as depicted in FIG. 2 .

The tray feature 34 may be constructed from various materials andinclude various dimensions as desired. In one non-limiting example, thetray feature 34 may be constructed of rigid polyethylene having athickness of approximately six millimeters. Again, however, skilledpersons understand that the tray feature 34 may be made of othermaterials and thicknesses and attached in any suitable way. In otherembodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 22 , for example, thetray feature 34 may be omitted.

Side Handles

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 8-11 , in certain embodiments the platformassembly 10 includes one or more side handles 22. In certainembodiments, the platform assembly 10 generally includes two sidehandles 22—a right side handle 22A on a right side of the platform 14and a left side handle 22B on a left side of the platform 14 asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 . In such embodiments and as illustrated bycomparing FIG. 8 (right side handle 22A) with FIG. 9 (left side handle22B), the side handles 22A-B may be mirrored structures.

The side handles 22A-B may be coupled to the platform 14 as desired. Assome non-limiting examples, the side handles 22A-B may be coupled to thesides of the platform 14, coupled to a bottom surface of the platform14, or may be a single unit that extends beneath and/or from the sidesof the platform 14. The side handles 22A-B may be coupled to theplatform 14 using various techniques or mechanisms as desired, includingbut not limited to mechanical fasteners, welding, chemical fasteners,combinations thereof, or other suitable mechanisms as desired.Optionally, the side handles 22A-B may be monolithically or integrallyformed with the starting platform.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 8-11 , each side handle 22A-B generallyincludes a base 54 and a handle portion 56, and during use, the user maygrip the handle portion 56. The base 54 may connect the side handles22A-B with the platform 14, and as illustrated, the base 54 may protrudeupward such that the handle portion 56 is positioned upwards relative tothe platform 14 for grasping by a swimmer. The bases 54 of the sidehandle 22A-B may extend from the sides of the platform 14. In certainembodiments, the bases 54 extend from the sides of the platform 14 atlocations between the ends 12, 16, although the particular locationrelative to the ends 12, 16 should not be considered limiting.

In certain embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIG. 1 , the handleportions 56 are parallel handle portions that extend generally parallelto a center axis of the platform 14 (see center axis 60 of platform 14in FIG. 22 ). Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8-11 , a grip 58 isprovided on the handle portion 56. The grip 58 may formed of syntheticor natural rubber or other high-friction material as desired. FIG. 20illustrates another example of side handles 2022A-B with parallel handleportions 56.

FIGS. 22-25 illustrate another embodiment of side handles 2222A-B thatare substantially similar to the side handles 22A-B except that the sidehandles 2222A-B additionally include perpendicular handle portions 2264.In these embodiments, each perpendicular handle portion 2264 extendsgenerally perpendicular to the center axis 60 of the platform 14. Insome embodiments, the handle portion 2264 extends at an angle betweenapproximately 65°-approximately 115° relative to the center axis 60 ofthe platform 14. In certain embodiments, each side handle 2222A-B alsoincludes the parallel handle portion 56 that extends generally parallelto the center axis 60. One or both of the handle portions 56, 2264optionally may include a gripping material (such as the grip 58) toprovide an improved engagement with the swimmer's hands when gripped.

The perpendicular handle portions 2264 extend outwards from the sides ofthe platform 14 and in opposing directions. In certain embodiments, thehandle portions 2264 extend outwards at locations between the ends 12,16 of the platform 14, although the particular locations relative to theends 12, 16 should not be considered limiting. The perpendicular handleportions 2264 extending perpendicular to the center axis 60 (e.g., at anangle in the range of between approximately 65°-approximately 115°,inclusive) may provide a gripping location for the swimmer relative tothe platform 14 that is a more natural and/or powerful pulling positioncompared to traditional starting blocks. For example, the swimmer's handengages the perpendicular gripping location with the swimmer's handperpendicular to his/her direction of movement rather than parallel. Asa non-limiting example, a swimmer may grab the perpendicular handleportions 2264 with her or his entire hand, which may be a more naturaland/or powerful position for pulling “back” towards the back end 16 ofthe platform 14.

The parallel handle portions 56 may connect the bases 54 with theperpendicular handle portions 2264 and define a secondary grippinglocation for a swimmer in addition to the perpendicular handle portions2264. As mentioned, the parallel handle portions 56 may extend parallelto the center axis 60 and perpendicular to the perpendicular handleportions 2264. The parallel handle portions 56 may be angled downwardstowards the starting platform, up and away from the starting platform,or parallel to the horizontal plate of the starting platform. In certainembodiments, the parallel handle portions 56 are offset from therespective sides of the platform 14. As illustrated in FIG. 25 , theparallel handle portions 56 optionally have a length that is greaterthan a length of the perpendicular handle portions 2264. Additionally oralternatively, and as illustrated in FIG. 22 , the parallel handleportions 56 optionally have a length that is less than a length of theplatform 14 (i.e., the distance from the front end 12 to the back end16). When the parallel handle portions 56 are included, the swimmer mayutilize the side handles 2222A-B by gripping either the perpendicularhandle portions 2264 or the parallel handle portions 56.

The starting platforms with the side handles 2222 having the parallelhandle portions 56 and the perpendicular handle portions 2264 thusprovide improved gripping locations for the swimmer that permit theswimmer to engage the swimming platform in a more natural and powerfulposition, particularly for swimmers pulling “back” towards the rear ofthe starting platform. The side handles 2222 also provide more than onegripping location such that a swimmer can engage the platform assembly2210 with various pulling motions as desired, including the ability topull parallel to the platform 14 (using parallel handle portions) orpull perpendicular to the platform 14 (using the perpendicular handleportions).

Informational Panel

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 13 , in certain embodiments, the platformassembly 10 includes an informational panel 38. As best illustrated inFIG. 12 in which the informational panel 38 has been removed from theframe 62, the frame 62 of the platform assembly 10 may define a region66 in which the panel 38 may be positioned. In certain embodiments, andas illustrated in FIG. 12 , the frame 62 may include various mountingfeatures for receiving and/or supporting the panel 38. In the embodimentillustrated, the mounting features include flanges 69 with openings 70to receive, together with the panel 38, fasteners affixing the panel 38to the frame 62. In other embodiments, the mounting features may bevarious other devices or mechanisms as desired, including but notlimited to clips, clasps, hooks, pins, bolts, magnets, combinationsthereof, or other mechanisms as desired. Merely by removing thefasteners (or other mounting mechanism), the panel 38 may be replaced asdesired.

The panel 38 may be a generally planar construction having a first sideor surface 39 (see FIGS. 1 and 13 ) and a second side or surfaceopposite from the first side or surface (i.e., facing in an oppositedirection from the first surface 39). The panel 38 may be constructedfrom various materials as desired suitable for a pool or waterenvironment, and optionally the panel 38 may be constructed from UVand/or chemical resistant materials. The positioning of the panel 38within the frame 62 and underneath the platform 14 may further provideprotection to the panel 38. The panel 38 may thus have improveddurability and provide a more permanent and professional lookingappearance.

In various embodiments, one or both surfaces of the panel 39 may includevarious colors and/or visual indicators as desired. As a non-limitingexample, the panel 38 may include text of a sponsor, school,organization, event, etc. as desired. Additionally or alternatively, thepanel 38 may include other information such as a lane identification,advertisement, sponsors' logos, school logos, mascot figures,tradenames, a lane identification, combinations thereof, and/or othervisual features or designs as desired as desired. In certainembodiments, the informational panel may be colored and/or includevisual features (optionally in combination with a substructure of thestarting platform) complimentary to and/or matching a sponsor's colorscheme.

In various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 13 , theinformational panel 38 is supported on the frame 62 such that bothsurfaces are observable (e.g., from both sides of the platform 10),thereby allowing for viewing of the visual features from a plurality ofviewing points. In some embodiments, the informational paneladvantageously may be removable and/or replaceable, thereby allowing forimproved customization of the starting platform.

Removable Display

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 14 , in some embodiments, the platform assembly10 includes a removable display 42. The display 42 may be a trainer'sdisplay, a lane number plate, and/or provide other visual information asdesired. As a non-limiting example, the display 42 may provideinformation to a swimmer such as, but not limited to, a list of trainingexercises to be accomplished. In certain embodiments, the display 42 maybe various types of display boards as desired, including but not limitedto boards that a person may write on and/or attach items. In onenon-limiting example, the display 42 may be an erasable display boardsuch as but not limited to a white board. In various embodiments, theremovable display 42 is configured to face the pool (e.g., is proximateto the front end 12 of the platform 14) and at an elevated location suchthat a swimmer within the pool may observe information on the displaywhile in the pool and/or without requiring the swimmer to stop, reachup, and find the paper on the deck (with their wet hands) to read thenext exercise or other information.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , for example, the display 42 may be supportedon a portion of the platform assembly 10 as desired. In certainembodiments, the display 42 is positioned on the platform assemblyfacing the pool. In one non-limiting example, and as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 16 , the display 42 may be supported on the backstroke bar30.

The display 42 may attach to the frame 62 and/or other component of theplatform assembly 10 using various devices or mechanisms as desired.Referring to FIGS. 14-16 , in some embodiments, the display 42 includesan engagement component 63. In the embodiment of FIG. 14 , theengagement component 63 is a magnetic component for selectively engagingthe display 42.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate another example of a display 1542 accordingto various embodiments. The display 1542 is substantially similar to thedisplay 42 except that the display 1542 includes an engagement component1563 with one or more hooks 1565. The engagement component 1563 may besecured to the display 1542 using a fastener 1549, and the hooks 1565may overlap a portion of the platform assembly 10 to attach the display1542 to the platform assembly 10.

FIGS. 17-19 illustrate another example of a display 1742 according tovarious embodiments. The display 1742 is substantially similar to thedisplay 42 except that the display 1742 includes two engagementcomponents 1763 for engaging portions of the platform assembly 10, andthe engagement components 1763 are separately secured to the display1742.

Mounting Step

Referring to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the platform assembly 10includes the mounting step 26. The mounting step 26 may extend outwardsfrom one side of the frame 62, and in certain embodiments, the mountingstep 26 extends outwards from or beyond a side of the platform 14. Whenincluded, the mounting step 26 may be utilized to facilitate steppingonto the platform 14 from the pool deck. In the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 1 , the mounting step 26 is fixed relative to the frame 62and/or the platform 14.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate another embodiment of a mounting step 2026 inwhich the mounting step 26 is movable (represented by arrow 2045)relative to the frame 62 and/or the platform 14. Various mechanismsand/or devices may be included with the mounting step 2026 such that itis movable relative to the frame 62, including but not limited to hingemechanism, a movable joint, telescoping members, combinations thereof,and/or other mechanisms or devices as desired. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 20 and 21 , the mounting step 2026 may be movable from a deployedposition (FIG. 20 ) to a retracted position (FIG. 21 ) and vice versa.Such movement may allow for the mounting step 2026 to be in the deployedposition and used when needed and to be stowed to minimize obstructionswhen the step 2026 is not needed.

Backstroke Bar

Referring to FIG. 1 , in various embodiments, the platform assembly 10includes the backstroke bar 30. The backstroke bar 30 may include agenerally horizontal portion 21 and/or one or more sets of verticalhandles 23. The horizontal portion 21 may connect the vertical handles23. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , the backstroke bar 30includes two sets of vertical handles 23—an upper set of verticalhandles 23A and a lower set of vertical handles 23B. In some embodimentswith a plurality of sets of vertical handles 23, the vertical handles 23may be vertically aligned as illustrated in FIG. 1 . Grips, which may besimilar to or different from the grips 58, may be provided on one ormore of the vertical handles 23 as desired.

In other embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 22, 23, and 26 , thebackstroke bar 2230 may include offset vertical handles 23 such that theplatform assembly 2210 includes at least two different spans of verticalhandles 23. In various embodiments, at least one upper vertical handle23A is not vertically aligned with at least one lower vertical handle23B. In the embodiment of FIGS. 22, 23, and 26 , the upper set ofvertical handles 23A are spaced apart by a distance that is greater thana distance between the lower set of vertical handles 23B. The offsetvertical handles of the backstroke bar 2230 may allow for the platformassembly 2210 to conform to swimming rulings and standards set by allruling bodies and/or may also allow the platform assembly 2210 toaccommodate a range of sizes from elite to child swimmers.

Wedge Anchor

Referring to FIGS. 27-29 , in various embodiments, a platform assemblysuch as the platform assemblies 10, 2010, 2210 may include a wedgeanchor 2771. The wedge anchor 2771 includes an anchor body 2781 defininga receiving area 2773 for receiving a lower portion of the frame 62.Optionally, a wedge 2779 may be provided within the receiving area 2773to provide further engagement with the frame 62 within the receivingarea 2773.

Anchor wings 2775 may extend outwards from the wedge anchor 2771. Incertain embodiments, the anchor wings 2775 may extend outwards from anend of the anchor body 2781. Optionally, the anchor wings 2775 may be aplanar structure as illustrated in FIGS. 27-29 , although in otherembodiments the anchor wings 2775 may have other shapes or profiles asdesired. The anchor wings 2775 may facilitate securing of the wedgeanchor 2771 to rebar and may facilitate electrical bonding to the rebaror other grounded members within a pool deck such as a concrete pooldeck. The anchor wings 2775 optionally include securing features such asnotches 2777 and/or apertures to further facilitate securing of thewedge anchor 2771 to rebar and/or electrical bonding. The wedge anchor2771 with the anchor wings 2775 may ensure that the wedge anchor 2771 isproperly positioned relative to the pool wall and held securely in placeduring the installation of the deck or portions thereof.

Exemplary concepts or combinations of features of the invention mayinclude:

-   -   A. A platform assembly including at least one of an        informational panel, a storage device, or a display region.    -   B. A swimmer starting platform assembly including a frame and        each of an informational panel, a storage device, and a display        region either attached to or formed by the frame.    -   C. A method of changing appearance of a swimmer starting        platform assembly including detaching a first panel from a frame        of the assembly and attaching a second panel to the frame of the        assembly.    -   D. A starting platform assembly comprising a platform and side        handles, wherein the side handles extend at an angle in the        range of approximately 65°-approximately 115° relative to the        platform.    -   E. The starting platform assembly according to statement D,        wherein the side handles are above a top surface of the        platform.    -   F. The starting platform assembly according to statements A or        B, wherein the side handles extend outwards from sides of the        platform.    -   G. A starting platform assembly comprising a platform and side        handles, wherein the side handles each include a parallel handle        portion extending parallel to the platform and a perpendicular        handle portion extending at an angle in the range of        approximately 65°-approximately 115° relative to the platform.    -   H. The starting platform assembly according to statement G,        wherein the parallel handle portion and the perpendicular handle        portion of each side handle is above a top surface of the        platform.    -   I. The starting platform assembly according to statements G or        H, wherein a length of the parallel handle portion is different        from a length of the perpendicular handle portion of each side        handle.    -   J. A side handle for a starting platform, the side handle        comprising a base, a parallel handle portion, and a        perpendicular handle portion, wherein the base is configured to        connect the side handle to the starting platform such that the        parallel handle portion extends parallel to the starting        platform and the perpendicular handle portion extends        perpendicular to the starting platform.    -   K. A starting platform assembly comprising a platform and side        handles, wherein the side handles extend perpendicular to the        platform.    -   L. A starting platform assembly comprising a platform and side        handles, wherein the side handles each include a parallel handle        portion extending parallel to the platform and a perpendicular        handle portion extending perpendicular to the starting platform.    -   M. A wedge anchor for a starting platform assembly, the wedge        anchor comprising an anchor body for receiving a portion of a        frame of the starting platform assembly and anchor wings        extending outwards from the anchor body.    -   N. The wedge anchor according to statement M, wherein the anchor        wings are provided at an end of the anchor body.    -   O. The wedge anchor according to statement M or N, wherein the        anchor wings are planar.    -   P. The wedge anchor according to any one of statements M-O,        wherein the anchor wings comprise securing features for securing        the anchor wings to rebar and/or for electrically bonding the        wedge anchor.    -   Q. A starting platform assembly comprising the wedge anchor        according to any one of statements M-P, a frame, and a starting        platform supported by the frame, wherein the frame is at least        partially received in a receiving area of the anchor body of the        wedge anchor.    -   R. A backstroke bar for a starting platform, the backstroke bar        comprising a first set of vertical handles and a second set of        vertical handles, wherein the first set of vertical handles span        a first distance, and wherein the second set of vertical handles        span a second distance different from the first distance.    -   S. The backstroke bar according to statement R, wherein the        first set of vertical handles are upper vertical handles,        wherein the second set of vertical handles are lower vertical        handles, and wherein the first distance is greater than the        second distance.    -   T. The backstroke bar according to statement R or S, wherein the        first set of vertical handles are upper vertical handles,        wherein the second set of vertical handles are lower vertical        handles, and wherein the first distance is less than the second        distance.    -   U. The backstroke bar according to statement R, S, or T, further        comprising a horizontal portion connecting the vertical handles.    -   V. A backstroke bar for a starting platform, the backstroke bar        comprising at least one upper vertical handle and at least one        lower vertical handle, wherein the at least one upper vertical        handle is not vertically aligned with the at least one lower        vertical handle.    -   W. The backstroke bar according to statement V, wherein the at        least one upper handle comprises a first upper vertical handle        and a second upper vertical handle, wherein the at least one        lower vertical handle comprises a first lower vertical handle        and a second lower vertical handle, wherein the upper vertical        handles are not vertically aligned with the lower vertical        handles.    -   X. The backstroke bar according to statement V or W, further        comprising a horizontal portion connecting the at least one        upper vertical handle with the at least one lower vertical        handle.    -   Y. The backstroke bar according to any one of statements V-X,        further comprising a grip on the at least one upper vertical        handle and the at least one lower vertical handle.

These examples are not intended to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, orrestrictive in any way, and the invention is not limited to theseexample embodiments but rather encompasses all possible modificationsand variations within the scope of any claims ultimately drafted andissued in connection with the invention (and their equivalents). Foravoidance of doubt, any combination of features not physicallyimpossible or expressly identified as non-combinable herein may bewithin the scope of the invention. Finally, references to “pools” and“swimming pools” herein may also refer to other water containing vesselsused for recreation or competition.

The subject matter of embodiments is described herein with specificityto meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarilyintended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject mattermay be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps,and may be used in conjunction with other existing or futuretechnologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying anyparticular order or arrangement among or between various steps orelements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement ofelements is explicitly described. Directional references such as “up,”“down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “back,” amongothers, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated anddescribed in the figure (or figures) to which the components anddirections are referencing. Throughout this disclosure, a referencenumeral with a letter refers to a specific instance of an element andthe reference numeral without an accompanying letter refers to theelement generically or collectively. Thus, as an example (not shown inthe drawings), device “12A” refers to an instance of a device class,which may be referred to collectively as devices “12” and any one ofwhich may be referred to generically as a device “12”. In the figuresand the description, like numerals are intended to represent likeelements. As used herein, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includessingular and plural references unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

The above-described aspects are merely possible examples ofimplementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of theprinciples of the present disclosure. Many variations and modificationsmay be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departingsubstantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure.All such modifications and variations are intended to be included hereinwithin the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims toindividual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended tobe supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specificterms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, theyare used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for thepurposes of limiting the described embodiments, nor the claims thatfollow.

That which is claimed:
 1. A starting platform assembly for a swimmingpool, the starting platform assembly comprising a platform and sidehandles, wherein at least a portion of the side handles extend at anangle in a range of approximately 65°-approximately 115° relative to acenter axis of the platform.
 2. The starting platform assembly of claim1, wherein the side handles are above a top surface of the platform. 3.The starting platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the side handlesextend outwards from sides of the platform.
 4. A starting platformassembly comprising a platform and side handles, wherein the sidehandles each include a parallel handle portion extending parallel to acenter axis of the platform and a perpendicular handle portion extendingat an angle in a range of approximately 65°-approximately 115° relativeto the center axis of the platform.
 5. The starting platform assembly ofclaim 4, wherein the parallel handle portion and the perpendicularhandle portion of each side handle is above a top surface of theplatform.
 6. The starting platform assembly of claim 5, wherein a lengthof the parallel handle portion is different from a length of theperpendicular handle portion of each side handle.
 7. A side handle for astarting platform, the side handle comprising a base, a parallel handleportion, and a perpendicular handle portion, wherein the base isconfigured to connect the side handle to the starting platform such thatthe parallel handle portion extends parallel to a center axis of thestarting platform and the perpendicular handle portion extendsperpendicular to the center axis of the starting platform.
 8. A wedgeanchor for a starting platform assembly, the wedge anchor comprising: ananchor body for receiving a portion of a frame of the starting platformassembly; and anchor wings extending outwards from the anchor body. 9.The wedge anchor of claim 8, wherein the anchor wings are provided at anend of the anchor body.
 10. The wedge anchor of claim 8, wherein theanchor wings are planar.
 11. The wedge anchor of claim 8, wherein theanchor wings comprise securing features for securing the anchor wings torebar and/or for electrically bonding the wedge anchor.
 12. A startingplatform assembly comprising the wedge anchor of claim 8, a frame, and astarting platform supported by the frame, wherein the frame is at leastpartially received in a receiving area of the anchor body of the wedgeanchor.
 13. A backstroke bar for a starting platform, the backstroke barcomprising a first set of vertical handles and a second set of verticalhandles, wherein the first set of vertical handles span a firstdistance, and wherein the second set of vertical handles span a seconddistance different from the first distance.
 14. The backstroke bar ofclaim 13, wherein the first set of vertical handles are upper verticalhandles, wherein the second set of vertical handles are lower verticalhandles, and wherein the first distance is greater than the seconddistance.
 15. The backstroke bar of claim 13, wherein the first set ofvertical handles are upper vertical handles, wherein the second set ofvertical handles are lower vertical handles, and wherein the firstdistance is less than the second distance.
 16. The backstroke bar ofclaim 13, further comprising a horizontal portion connecting thevertical handles.
 17. A backstroke bar for a starting platform, thebackstroke bar comprising at least one upper vertical handle and atleast one lower vertical handle, wherein the at least one upper verticalhandle is not vertically aligned with the at least one lower verticalhandle.
 18. The backstroke bar of claim 17, wherein the at least oneupper handle comprises a first upper vertical handle and a second uppervertical handle, wherein the at least one lower vertical handlecomprises a first lower vertical handle and a second lower verticalhandle, wherein the upper vertical handles are not vertically alignedwith the lower vertical handles.
 19. The backstroke bar of claim 17,further comprising a horizontal portion connecting the at least oneupper vertical handle with the at least one lower vertical handle. 20.The backstroke bar of claim 17, further comprising a grip on the atleast one upper vertical handle and the at least one lower verticalhandle.